This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is a refreshing and creamy dish packed with bold flavors. The tangy zest of fresh lime, the herbaceous kick of cilantro, and the smooth creaminess of the dressing create a deliciously balanced bite in every forkful. Paired with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and wholesome black beans, this dish is perfect for warm weather and easy meals.
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a nutritious meal-prep option, or a potluck favorite, this pasta salad will be your go to. It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite add ins. Try it once, and it’ll be a staple in your kitchen!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 oz pasta (rotini, penne, or bowtie)
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1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
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3 tbsp mayonnaise
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Juice of 2 limes
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Zest of 1 lime
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp onion powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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1/2 tsp cumin
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1/4 cup olive oil
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1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup corn (fresh or canned)
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1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 avocado, diced
Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
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In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cumin, and olive oil until smooth.
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Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the dressing.
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Gently fold in cherry tomatoes, red onion, corn, black beans, and avocado.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
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Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad – A Creamy and Flavorful Delight
Introduction
When it comes to refreshing, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful meals, a Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is the perfect dish. This recipe balances the zest of lime, the herbaceous freshness of cilantro, and the creamy richness of the dressing, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a meal-prep-friendly option, this salad has you covered.
This dish is inspired by classic Tex Mex flavors but with a creamy twist that makes it irresistible. The combination of tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, hearty black beans, and sweet corn gives it an amazing texture and taste. The dressing, made with Greek yogurt or sour cream, adds a luscious creaminess while still keeping the dish healthy and light.
Not only is this pasta salad packed with flavor, but it also provides a balanced meal full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. With fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and a tangy kick from the lime, it’s a dish that stands out at any meal or gathering. Plus, it’s vegetarian, with easy customization options to suit different dietary preferences.
In this article, we’ll dive deeper into why this dish is a fantastic choice for any occasion, explore different variations, and provide useful tips for serving and storing it.
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
There are so many reasons why this dish deserves a spot on your meal rotation. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Quick and Easy to Make
This dish requires minimal cooking time just boil the pasta, whisk together the dressing, and toss everything together. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you still want something fresh and homemade.
2. Light Yet Satisfying
Thanks to the combination of fiber-rich veggies, protein packed beans, and healthy fats from avocado, this pasta salad will keep you full and energized without feeling heavy. It’s a fantastic option for a light dinner, lunch, or a healthy side dish.
3. Nutrient-Packed and Wholesome
Every bite of this salad is loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Cilantro is rich in vitamin C and K, black beans provide plant-based protein, and avocados contribute heart healthy monounsaturated fats. Meanwhile, lime juice adds a natural source of vitamin C to boost your immune system.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep
This recipe stores well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great meal-prep option. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious as the freshly made salad.
5. Versatile and Easily Customizable
One of the best things about this dish is how flexible it is. Whether you want to make it vegan, add a protein source, or swap ingredients based on what you have, it’s super adaptable. We’ll cover some variations below!
Variations and Customization Options
One of the greatest things about this Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is its adaptability. You can tweak it to fit your dietary needs, ingredient availability, or personal taste. Here are a few ideas:
1. Make It Vegan
To keep this recipe fully plant-based, simply swap the Greek yogurt or sour cream in the dressing for dairy free alternatives like coconut yogurt or cashew-based sour cream. You can also use a vegan mayonnaise option.
2. Add a Protein Boost
If you want to make this a more filling main dish, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient way to add lean protein, while marinated tofu keeps it vegan-friendly.
3. Use Different Types of Pasta
While rotini, penne, or bowtie pasta works well, you can experiment with other options. Whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber, while chickpea or lentil-based pasta boosts the protein content and makes it gluten free.
4. Spice It Up
For those who love a little heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. It pairs perfectly with the tangy lime and creamy dressing.
5. Try Different Veggies
This salad is great for using up whatever fresh veggies you have on hand. You can swap cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers, add cucumber for extra crunch, or throw in shredded carrots for sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some ways to enjoy it:
As a Standalone Meal
Since this salad is packed with healthy fats, protein, and fiber, it works wonderfully as a complete meal on its own. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing lunch or light dinner.
As a Side Dish
Pair this pasta salad with grilled meats, seafood, or tacos for a complete meal. It complements dishes like grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or even fajitas beautifully.
For Meal Prep
Make a batch at the start of the week and divide it into meal-prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. If storing for more than a day, keep the avocado separate and add it just before eating to prevent browning.
For Potlucks and Gatherings
This salad is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for BBQs, family gatherings, and summer picnics. It holds up well at room temperature and is easy to transport.
Storage Tips
To ensure your Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad stays fresh, follow these storage tips:
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
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Keeping Avocado Fresh: If meal-prepping, add diced avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning. You can also toss it in a little lime juice to slow oxidation.
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Refreshing Leftovers: The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time. If needed, mix in a little extra olive oil or lime juice before serving to bring back the creaminess.
Conclusion
This Fresh & Healthy Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and refreshing flavors. It’s a fantastic addition to your recipe collection easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and adaptable to different dietary needs.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday meal, a nutritious lunch, or a delicious side dish, this pasta salad delivers. Plus, it’s great for meal prep, budget friendly, and full of fresh flavors that make every bite enjoyable.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy a burst of summer flavors in every forkful. It’s a dish that will surely become a staple in your kitchen!